Three Charged With Trafficking Agricultural Workers Into Servitude

Defendants allegedly exploited H-2A visa program to lure and abuse Mexican farmworkers

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A federal grand jury has returned a 35-count indictment charging three Mexican citizens with trafficking Mexican farmworkers into forced labor and harboring them in the United States after their visas expired for the defendants' financial gain. The defendants allegedly recruited workers from Mexico on temporary H-2A agricultural visas, confiscated their documents, and compelled them to perform physically demanding labor under degrading conditions across three states.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and labor exploitation, particularly within the agricultural sector where migrant workers are vulnerable. It also raises concerns about the potential for abuse within the H-2A visa program, which is intended to provide temporary agricultural labor but can be exploited by unscrupulous operators.

The details

According to the indictment, Martha Zeferino Jose, a permanent U.S. resident and Mexican citizen, owned and operated a farm labor contracting company called Las Princesas. She allegedly submitted fraudulent visa applications, charged workers significant recruitment fees, confiscated their documents, and forced them to work long hours in poor conditions without adequate pay, food, or medical care. Her partner, Jose Rodriguez Munoz, and her son Jeremy Zeferino Jose are also charged in the scheme. When authorities investigated, the defendants allegedly tried to obstruct the probe by returning documents and instructing workers to lie.

  • Between approximately August 2021 and July 2022, the alleged trafficking and forced labor occurred.
  • The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division launched an investigation into Las Princesas at some point during this period.

The players

Martha Zeferino Jose

A 42-year-old permanent resident of the United States and citizen of Mexico who owned and operated Las Princesas Corporation, a farm labor contracting company.

Jose Rodriguez Munoz

Martha Zeferino Jose's partner, a citizen of Mexico illegally residing in the United States.

Jeremy Zeferino Jose

Martha Zeferino Jose's 23-year-old son, a permanent resident of the United States and citizen of Mexico.

Las Princesas Corporation

A farm labor contracting company based in Washington, North Carolina that recruited workers from Mexico on temporary H-2A agricultural visas.

Department of Labor

The federal agency that launched an investigation into Las Princesas Corporation.

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What they’re saying

“'Three individuals have been indicted for exploiting the H-2A visa program to lure vulnerable workers from Mexico to the United States with promises of legitimate employment, only to then confiscate their identity documents and force them to labor in inhumane conditions.'”

— A. Tysen Duva, Assistant Attorney General, Justice Department's Criminal Division (jocoreport.com)

“'We will find and eradicate any illegal immigration we find here in the EDNC. We do not tolerate abuse of the system to hurt unsuspecting victims of human trafficking.'”

— Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of North Carolina (jocoreport.com)

What’s next

The defendants are scheduled to appear in court in the coming weeks to face the charges. Prosecutors say they will seek the maximum penalties if the defendants are convicted.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger oversight and enforcement within the H-2A visa program to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable migrant workers. It also highlights the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring workers feel empowered to report labor abuses without fear of retaliation.